A recent NBS survey reveals Nigerians paid N2.23 trillion in ransoms to kidnappers between May 2023 and April 2024, underscoring a rising security crisis in the country.
The latest Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has unveiled shocking statistics on crime in Nigeria. Between May 2023 and April 2024, households across the country paid a staggering N2.23 trillion as ransoms to kidnappers.
This finding reflects the worsening insecurity plaguing communities, with families bearing the heavy financial and emotional burden of crime.
Alarming Trends: Key Findings of the NBS Survey
1. Crime Incidences in Nigeria
- Over 51.89 million crime cases were recorded within the 12-month period.
- The North-West region reported the highest number of incidents at 14.4 million, followed by North-Central with 8.8 million cases.
- The South-East recorded the fewest crimes at 6.18 million cases.
The survey also revealed that rural areas faced higher crime rates (26.53 million incidents) compared to urban areas (25.36 million incidents).
2. The Rising Kidnapping Crisis
One of the most troubling findings of the survey is the rise in kidnapping incidents.
- Around 4.14 million households were victims of home robberies.
- 65% of households affected by kidnapping were forced to pay ransoms.
- The average ransom paid was N2.67 million, leading to the enormous total of N2.23 trillion within a year.
This grim statistic underscores the growing threat of kidnapping as a lucrative crime for criminals.
3. Most Common Crimes and Reporting Rates
The NBS survey shed light on other prevalent crimes:
- Phone theft emerged as the most common crime, affecting 13.8% of Nigerians. Interestingly, 90% of victims reported the theft to the police.
- However, reporting rates for more severe crimes remain low. Only 36.3% of home robbery victims and a small fraction of kidnapping victims notified the police.
The survey highlights a persistent lack of trust in law enforcement, with many believing that police intervention yields little to no result.
Why Crime Reporting Remains Low
The NBS report found that Nigerians are reluctant to report crimes due to:
- Lack of confidence in the police and security agencies.
- Perceptions that authorities will take no meaningful action.
In rural areas especially, many households have turned to local vigilante groups for protection, considering them more reliable than formal security forces.
Security Concerns Across Nigeria
The survey paints a worrying picture of safety perceptions among Nigerians:
- 9.6% of Nigerians fear they will fall victim to crime within the next 12 months.
- This fear is higher in rural areas (13%) than in urban settings (7%).
Additionally, emergency response times remain a critical issue. Only 33.1% of Nigerians reported receiving help from security forces within 30 minutes of calling for assistance.
Conclusion: A Nation at Risk
The NBS findings highlight the escalating security crisis in Nigeria. The N2.23 trillion ransom paid in just 12 months reflects the immense financial strain on families, alongside emotional and psychological trauma.
To address this crisis, Nigeria must implement urgent reforms to restore confidence in security forces, improve crime response times, and protect its citizens from the growing threat of kidnapping and other crimes.
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